Kings score three late goals to beat Blues

LOS ANGELES -- Sean Avery tied it early in the third period and Michael Cammalleri scored the go-ahead goal less than 4 minutes later on a power play, helping the Los Angeles Kings beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 on Saturday night.

Eric Belanger tied a career high with his 16th goal, newly acquired Brent Sopel had two assists, and Mathieu Garon made 23 saves after giving up 14 goals in the previous three games. St. Louis rookie Mike Glumac had a power-play goal in the second period.

With the victory, the Kings swept the four-game season series. The Blues, who entered the NHL with the Kings and four other expansion teams in 1967-68, went an entire season without beating the Kings only one other time. They were 0-3 with a tie in 1974-75. St. Louis had beaten Los Angeles six straight times entering this season.

The Kings outshot the Blues 18-3 in the final period. St. Louis' Christian Backman was serving a holding penalty when Cammalleri put the Kings ahead 2-1 with his 24th goal, a slap shot from the top of the right circle that deflected in off the skate of Blues defenseman Kevin Dallman as he was checking Dustin Brown in front of the net.

-- AP